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Mechanical energy in sculling and in rowing an ergometer
Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences. Journal Canadien Des Sciences Appliquees Au Sport
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Rowing in a boat or on a wheeled rowing ergometer (RE) offers greater energy savings than a stationary RE. Wheeled RE testing allows athletes to train at higher, race-like stroke rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Rowing ergometers (RE) are used for training and performance analysis.
- Understanding energy transfer in rowing is crucial for optimizing technique and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and contrast segmental and total body energy patterns in single scull rowing versus rowing on stationary and wheeled REs.
- To compare energy savings from mechanical energy exchanges and conversions within segments during rowing.
Main Methods:
- Four scullers (2 male, 2 female) were filmed rowing in single sculls and on stationary/wheeled REs at three stroke rates.
- Kinematic data were captured using digitized joint markers and processed with link-segment mechanics.
- Mechanical energy and internal work analyses were performed to calculate energy savings.
Main Results:
- Internal work was lowest on the wheeled RE and highest in the boat.
- Energy savings through segmental exchanges were greatest in the boat and least on the stationary RE.
- Energy savings through interconversion were highest on the wheeled RE, with similar interconversion percentages for boat and stationary RE.
Conclusions:
- Wheeled REs provide greater energy savings, enabling athletes to train at race-equivalent stroke rates.
- Differences in energy transfer dynamics exist between on-water rowing and ergometer use.